The strength of women officers serving in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is 1,875, out of which 10 are fighter pilots and 18 are navigators, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in a written reply in the Parliament on Saturday, an ANI report stated.

"After getting approval from the Ministry of Defence, the IAF commenced a scheme for induction of women SSC officers in fighter stream of flying branch in 2016, under which 10 women fighter pilots have been commissioned till date," Naik said,

"Women fighter pilots are inducted and deployed in IAF as per strategic needs and operational requirements within the laid down policy, which is reviewed from time to time," the minister further added.

Currently, IAF's personnel strength is 1,41,606.

The Indian government has been promoting the representation of women in the armed forces.